Friday, August 14, 2026

From Albany Park and our surrounding neighborhood communities, brought to you by North River Commission!

Highlights

Lot Jams

On Wednesday we held the third Lot Jams of the season at Staxx Deals that featured Naüvoo, a rock band blending classic rock and Latin influences, with music inspired by Hombres G and The Beatles. As promised, they delivered a high energy performance that captured every attendees attention and got people dancing. Naüvoo was a new performer for us, and while we anticipated a great show, their overall performance and song range was truly amazing and even had folks requesting not one but TWO encores! 

We also wanted to thank not only Staxx for allowing us to host a concert in their parking lot, but also for providing perhaps the best kids activity table that we have ever seen AND limited edition goodie bags for attendees. The night was also a success due to Bellonas Pizza popping up and keeping folks fed!

While our summer concert season is coming to an end, we do have one more event on the books. Join us at our fourth and final concert on August 26th at 2951 W Montrose from 7pm to 9pm featuring Cecy Santana, a Brazilian singer-songwriter whose vibrant performances blend samba, jazz, pop, funk, and Latin rhythms AND Surabhi Ensemble, a group featuring original and traditional music and dance compositions with influences from Indian, Arabic and Spanish cultures.

Interested in supporting programming such as Lot Jams? Donate to our public art fund and receive a limited edition Lot Jams t-shirt!

NRC Program Updates

Across our neighborhoods, our teams are working every day to strengthen local businesses, support families and students, improve public spaces, and connect residents with resources. Here's a bit about the ongoing work happening across North River Commission's programs to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

EDUCATION

This week we wrapped up our last week FORGE Summer Programming at Haugan! With twenty programs ranging from Improv with the IO Theatre to Double Dutch, Haugan students had a blast in the last weeks leading to the start of the school year. This marks the end of Summer Programming for the year, NRC looks forward to supporting our partner schools throughout the upcoming school year!

This summer, NRC welcomed an intern, Gifts from After School Matters! In support of their civic leadership internship, Gifts participated in community engagement meetings and community activities like Flavors and Lot Jams. Gifts was even able to meet Mayor Johnson when he made an appearance at Flavors! You can read her about her summer at NRC here!

ENVIRONMENT

We're gearing up for another tree tour with Openlands Tree Keepers! Are you busy on Sunday, August 23rd from 11am to 1pm? If not, join us for a tree tour at Ronan Park - you can register here. These tree walks will include education about the different species of trees on site and their unique characteristics.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

We are proud to announce that through the remainder of the year, North River Commission (NRC) is officially serving as a Business License Specialist in partnership with the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). For many entrepreneurs on Chicago's Northwest Side, untangling local licensing requirements, public way permits, and city regulations can feel like a full-time job on its own. Our Economic Development team is here to lift that weight.

What does this mean for our corridors? Our team provides hands-on, cost-free support to help local business owners through every stage of city compliance. From launching a brand-new storefront, renewing a commercial license, or applying for sidewalk café and public way permits, we walk them through the process step-by-step. Strong commercial corridors start with supported local business owners. If you - or an entrepreneur you know - could use assistance navigating city permits and licenses, please connect them with our team.

We got the opportunity to meet with Chetta Saetia, an expert business consultant and founder of CS Global Consultants, with a background at Chinese Mutual Aid Association. He gave us invaluable advice and insight to support our own work here at NRC, and we can't wait to grow our partnership with CS Global!

SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #60

These past few weeks our SSA has been undergoing updates and upgrades! You may remember that our vendors went out and gave our trash cans, bike racks, planters, and bus benches a paint refresh, or that a section of Lawrence got a thorough power wash. Part of our work in the SSA is to beautify the neighborhood via streetscaping, but we also have robust rebate programs to support our local businesses.

We had the honor of presenting two checks to two rebate recipients. SUBO Filipino Kitchen designed and installed a new sign to reflect the colors of the Philippines flag, and utilized our facade rebate program to receive a reimbursement for the project. Templestowe Pub installed security cameras and utilized - you guessed it - our security camera rebate. If you are a business owner and interested in getting reimbursed for facade upgrades, security camera installation, or an outdoor dining permit, you can learn more here.

Support Our Local Families Going Through Hardship

Ongoing federal enforcement activity has left many of our beloved neighbors in extreme hardship. With community members, many of whom are parents, being detained suddenly and without due process, many families in the neighborhood are not only losing their loved ones but also losing a source of support or income to keep their families afloat.

Please help us support our neighbors financially through these devastating times. Your donations to our Affected Families Fund goes directly to families to supplement their bills, groceries, household supplies, and essential care.

You can also support our neighbors by donating non-perishable foods to the Community Food Pantries at Nighthawk (4744 N Kimball Ave) and Restoried Bookshop (4613 N Kedzie Ave).

Upcoming NRC Events

Lot Jams Round 4

August 26, 7-9m

2951 W Montrose Ave

Join us at 2951 W Montrose from 7–9PM for performances by:

🇧🇷 Cecy Santana • Brazilian Jazz

🇮🇳 Surhabi Ensemble • Orchestral Global Fusion

Are you interested in supporting our work beyond attending Lot Jams? Donate below and receive a limited edition Lot Jams t-shirt!

Chamber Chat

August 18 from 8-10am

3806 W Montrose Ave

Calling all Chamber members and all community members! The Albany Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second monthly meeting at The Jade Vine!

This event is an opportunity for our Chamber members to meet and network, but is also open to all community members to connect. Share your ideas for the neighborhood, your ideas for a business, learn about our services, or simply hang out and mingle!

This event is free to attend. Coffee will be provided. We can't wait to see you there!

Take a walk with us!
August 23 from 11am-1pm

2900 W Lawrence Ave

Join us for a Chicago Park Tree Walk at Ronan Park! In partnership with Openlands TreeKeepers, this guided walk will highlight the different tree species on site and explore what makes each one unique—from bark to canopy.

Whether you're a nature lover or just curious about the trees in your neighborhood, this is a great way to learn and connect outdoors.

Community Meeting on Chicago's Flood Initiatives

September 2 from 6-8pm

2951 W Montrose Ave

This meeting is for Albany Park residents and workers who are interested in learning more about existing initiatives in Chicago centered on solutions to the growing problem of urban flooding. 

These initiatives aim to empower residents like you with understanding avenues for real solutions (like local policy change).

Learn about the Hyfi flood sensor pilot in Chicago, currently happening this year

Hear from groups like Chicago's Flood and Sewage Coalition on their flood policy advocacy

Input where you'd like to see 200+ new trees in the neighborhood 

Understand how to use Chicago's 311 information system to report flooding

And more! 

Community Events

Albany Park Walking Tours

Registration opens: August 1

Join Chicago for Chicagoans' founder and longtime neighborhood resident Patti Swanson for a one-of-a-kind Albany Park ten year anniversary tour! You'll explore the history, landmarks, and architecture of one of the city's most brilliantly diverse neighborhoods.

Friendship Center Block Party

August 15 from 12-4pm

2711 W Lawrence Ave

All are welcome at the free Friendship Center Block Party featuring community partners, yoga, and workshops. Families are welcome! The first 100 guests will receive a gift.

What's Happening:

Community Yoga

Community-led Workshops

Know Your Rights Workshop

Art Therapy

Job/Resume Workshops

SNAP Snack Swap

August 22 from 12-4pm

4358 N Ainslie Ave

Albany Park Mutual Aid is partnering with @Mayfair Mutual Aid to host a back to school event! ✏️ Meet your neighbors while enjoying crafts and games. 🍎 At 1 pm, there will be a session to learn about SNAP benefits.

Business Development + Resources

Summer Social at Common Pantry

August 20 from 6-8pm

3908 N Lincoln Ave

The Greater Ravenswood, Northcenter, and Albany Park Chambers invite you to a co-hosted Summer Social at Common Pantry. This casual gathering is a great opportunity to expand your network beyond your immediate neighborhood, exchange ideas, and build relationships with businesses and organizations throughout Chicago's North Side.

Bring plenty of business cards and get ready for an evening of meaningful conversations, new connections, and community impact. Space is limited—register today to reserve your spot!

Tickets include admission, refreshments from local businesses, and an entry into our door prize raffle.

CTA Small Business Summer Connections

August 26 from 10am-12pm

1145 W Wilson Ave

Join us to learn about upcoming projects and contracting opportunities at the Chicago Transit Authority and discover how your small business can get involved.  This event will highlight partnership opportunities, provide insights on how to compete for contracts, and connect you with key resources, all while exploring professional service opportunities in the technology services and opportunities through our General Engineering Consultant (GEC) program to help keep Chicago moving.

The Start-Up Challenge: Is Your Business Built to Succeed?

Aug 19 from 3-4:30pm

Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, do you know what the start-up journey is like? Or what initial steps you need to take? This webinar will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream. The webinar will also cover gauging market potential and evaluating competition to give you a competitive edge.

Own the Business? Own the Building.

Aug 28 from 9-11:30am

If you own a business, owning your building offers financial and operational benefits. Learn about the power of ownership and how the SBA 504 loan makes buying commercial real estate attainable - helping entrepreneurs stabilize costs, build equity, grow operations, and create a pathway to generational wealth.

We are a Neighborhood Business Development Center!

North River Commission is a delegate agency of the city of Chicago as a Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) We provide free assistance to businesses with licensing and permitting support, as well as technical assistance, capital resources, and 1-on-1 business advising. Call our office at 773 478 02020 to make an appointment.

Parks + Environment

Guided Nature Walk

August 27 at 6:00pm

5801 N Pulaski Rd

It's easy to spend a lot of time in our neighborhood and still miss one of its greatest assets: the North Park Village Nature Center. Take a guided tour of this beautiful landscape on August 27 at 6:00 PM, led by director Matt Renfree.

Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting

July 27 - August 27

The Chicago Park District is giving community members a direct voice in deciding future park improvements through Citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB). Community members submitted over 1,000 ideas. Now it's time to vote on what category should be funded.

Want more trees in your neighborhood?

Last year NRC was awarded a grant through The Morton Arboretum's Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) to help expand Albany Park's tree canopy and invest in a greener, healthier future for our neighborhood.

Our goal is to plant 100 trees across Albany Park by 2028 - bringing more shade, cleaner air, environmental benefits, and beauty to our community. Through this initiative, trees can be planted on private properties as well as institutional spaces including businesses, schools, places of worship, and other private properties.

Together, we can plant the roots for a stronger, greener Albany Park.

Education

Upcoming Back-to-School Bashes

Volta Elementary School

August 20 from 1-3pm

4950 N Avers Ave

Cleveland Elementary School

August 20 from 1-3pm

3121 W Byron St

Henry Elementary School

August 20 from 1-3pm

4350 N St Louis Ave

Haugan Public School

August 20 from 3-5pm

4540 N Hamlin Ave

Peterson Elementary School

August 20 from 4-6pm

5510 N Christiana Ave

Palmer Elementary School

August 24 from 3-4pm

5051 N Kenneth Ave

Albany Park Multicultural Academy

August 27 from 5-6:30pm

4929 N Sawyer Ave

Albany Park School Drive

August 22 from 11am-2pm

Springfield Ave and Argyle St

School is (almost) back in session, and it's time for one last hurrah! Join in for a celebration hosted by Everywhere is a Studio featuring:

Free food from C&M Deli

Music by DJ Bodhi

Free haircuts

Live art and face painting

And most importantly: an opportunity to get free school supplies!

Come build solidarity and hang out.

Arts + Culture

Project Windows Public Voting

Inspired by Willem de Kooning Drawing, the Art Institute's Project Windows enlivens storefronts across Chicago this summer with the energy, creativity, and expressive spirit of abstract art.

This annual window-display competition extends into 42 neighborhoods this year and features vibrant tributes to the exhibition Willem de Kooning Drawing.

Health + Safety

Donate or get free food at a Community Food Pantry!

You can make a positive impact by donating non-perishable food to our Community Food Pantries across Albany Park today! Shop local and support our local grocers if you can! 🛒

🌎 These pantries are located at:

📍Restoried Bookshop | 4613 N Kedzie

📍Nighthawk | 4744 N Kimball

If you would like free food, visit these pantries and take what you need, no questions asked!

NRC STAFF

North River Commission Staff

For more info, visit the North River Commission staff page:

Kay Villamin / Executive Director (nagsasalita ako ng tagalog)

Alexia Limas / Education Director (hablo español)

Eve Miller / Director of Community Impact

Elisha Jurewicz / Accounts Manager

Farah El-Nahal / Economic Development Specialist/ SSA 60 Program Manager (أنا أتكلم العربية)

Karen Milroy / Economic Development Specialist/ Albany Park Chamber Lead (mówię po polsku)

Caelin Muniz / Economic Development Specialist / Housing & Communications Lead (hablo español)

Sonya Koffman / Community Programs Coordinator / Parent Mentor Organizer (Я говорю по-русски)

FORGE School Site Coordinators

Haugan Forge Coordinator / Samantha Uribe (hablo español)

Henry Forge Coordinator / Priscilla Train (hablo español)

Peterson Forge Coordinator / Emily Berman

Roosevelt Forge Coordinator / Miranda Whitaker

Parent Mentor Program School Site Coordinators

Haugan PMP Coordinator / Lucila Esquivel (hablo español)

Hibbard PMP Coordinator / Fatima Suarez (hablo español)

Palmer PMP Coordinator / Maria Martinez (hablo español)

Cleveland PMP Coordinator / Adriana Cervera (hablo español) 

Help us continue this important work. Donations to the North River Commission directly support programs, resources, and initiatives that empower small businesses and strengthen our community.

North River Commission
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and economic development corporation for the Northwest Side of Chicago, from the Chicago River to Cicero and Addison to Devon, which unites 100s of civic associations, businesses, schools, institutions and places of worship to improve the quality of life for all constituents in our community by creating affordable housing, quality education, community safety and resilience, equitable access to health, arts & cultural endeavors, environmental responsibility, and thriving neighborhood businesses.

northrivercommission.org / facebook.com/northrivercommission / @northrivercommission